The striking abstract designs on this bowl closely resemble those found on so-called Kraak ware, Chinese blue-and-white porcelain exported to Europe in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. The style is unusual in Korean porcelain. Based on the Korean-character (Hanguel) inscription drilled over the glaze above the foot, we can surmise that thirty bowls were made in 1847 on the occasion of the royal wedding for use at Sunhwagung (residence of the second wife of King Heonjong, r. 1834–49).

Inscription: "Made in the year of Jeongmi [the cyclical date corresponding to 1847], for [use on the occasion of the royal wedding banquet of] Queen Sunhwagung [second wife of King Heonjong, r. 1834–49]; thirty [of these bowls were made] for Jungso, [the residential quarters of certain groups of court officials]."